An intensive multi-day program for short-form digital content creators with projects in development.

About

Designed to empower the next generation of storytellers, WFF’s Digital-First Lab provides filmmakers and content creators firsthand insight into the world of narrative short-form storytelling.

Experts from some of the biggest online platforms will offer insight to innovative initiatives from production, marketing to online distribution support for content creators of all levels. Up to six creators developing scripted short-form episodic content for digital platforms (up to 25 minutes in length per episode) will be selected to participate.

Phase I takes place in conjunction with the 2017 Whistler Film Festival + Summit as market immersion experience offering a curated itinerary that includes a focus on marketing and distribution as well as scheduled market meetings with attending industry and advisors.

Phase II will take place between January and August 2018 as a mentorship oriented experience. This phase will ensure that the filmmakers are putting post-production strategies into action with the guidance of a Mentor to support production and post production. Industry advisors and mentors will challenge directors to push their vision through to the very end by identifying and navigating through any post-filming obstacles and/or changes.

This program is open to Canadian content creators from Western Canada. Projects completed by August 31 will receive premiere consideration for the 2018 Whistler Film Festival in the Digital-First section.

For more information on the application deadline, please visit our application page.

BENEFITS

Industry Pass to attend Whistler Film Festival + Summit ($500 value)

A group screening and facilitated discussion

Group roundtables and one-on-one meetings with program mentors and industry delegates

Valuable monthly post-festival follow-up

KEY DATES:

Deadlines:

WFF Digital First Lab – Phase I

August

Call for Applications.

September 29

Application Deadline. Submissions sent to selection committee.

October 6

Contact applicants with acceptance or rejection letters.

October 13

Phase I payments due.

October 25

Finalist announcement.

December 1 – December 3

Phase I takes place at the Whistler Film Festival + Summit

Deadlines:

WFF Digital First Lab – Phase II

December 15

Deadline for content creators to follow up with lab facilitators and experts.

January 19, 2018

Payment due in full for Phase II

January – August, 2018

Monthly check in (or banked hours) with Mentors & WFF Manager. Report shooting update, prod-production plans etc. depending on stage of project. Creators receive feedback on revisions to projects and packages to date. A proposed strategy is discussed so they can further revise package and outreach as required.

August 31, 2018

For those who are ready, rough-cuts to be submitted to WFF for premiere consideration at the 2018 Festival in the Digital-First section.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must have produced and or be associated with at least one scripted episodic short content project

Applicants must have a project in development and be able to outline story synopsis, funding sources (confirmed and sought) and a preliminary impact strategy

Projects with or without equity investment and/or distribution commitments are eligible

Applicants must be able to commit to attending December 1 to 3 respectively

Applicants must be a Canadian citizen or have landed immigrant status

Special consideration will be given to producers of Aboriginal heritage or members of a visible minority

Applicants must demonstrate ownership of or option on all underlying rights (if any) and of the project they are attending with

Only one content creator per project will be allowed to attend the Lab

Application Fee:

There is a $50 non-refundable fee per application. Payment is processed through PayPal only.

Tuition:

$1,500 per selected participant (plus 5% GST). Due in two instalments, with the first due after acceptance into the program on September 20.

Participant Support:

All participants will receive an Industry Pass, which provides access to all screenings, industry sessions and networking events during the Whistler Film Festival + Summit (November 29 – December 3) as well as access to preferred travel rates to attend the program. WFF will provide accommodation to attend the program as well as ground transportation from Vancouver.

* Important Note: Participants are responsible for their own air travel to Whistler and any incidentals outside of the program.

* Financial Assistance: Finalists are encouraged to reach out to their Provincial agencies for assistance with travel costs. WFF will write letters of support and/or provide info on your behalf about the program benefits as required. Please contact us directly to discuss how we may be of help.

Major Partners

Silver Supporters

Bronze Sponsor

Accommodation Partner

TBA

The Whistler Film Festival Society is a charitable cultural organization dedicated to furthering the art of film by providing programs that focus on the discovery, development and promotion of new talent culminating with a must attend festival for artists, the industry and audiences in Whistler.